Mercedes-Benz built its name on luxury sedans, and the S-Class still sits at the top of that family tree like a crown jewel nobody wants to touch. But walk into any Mercedes showroom today, and you will notice something interesting. The SUVs are just as much the main event as the sedans, maybe even more so for a lot of shoppers.
The lineup now stretches from a compact crossover barely bigger than a hatchback all the way up to a boxy off-roader that has been tackling mud and rocks since the 1970s. There is genuinely something here for almost every taste and budget, assuming your budget includes the word “luxury” somewhere in it.
Table of Contents
Mercedes also packs its SUVs with enough modern safety technology to put the brand near the top of nearly every safety ranking out there. Every model in the lineup offers a sportier, more expensive AMG performance version for buyers who want their luxury with a side of adrenaline. The GLC and GLE even come in fastback four-door coupe styling for people who want SUV practicality wrapped in something that looks like it belongs on a runway. And then there is the Maybach version of the GLS, built specifically for buyers who consider “expensive” a starting point rather than a ceiling.
Walk out of a Mercedes dealership after a test drive, and you will almost certainly leave impressed by something, whether that is the ride quality, the technology, or simply how the leather smells. Let us walk through every SUV in the current lineup, being honest about what each one does well and where each one falls a little short.
Compact Mercedes SUV Models: Where Most Buyers Start
For a lot of shoppers, the compact end of the lineup is the actual entry point into Mercedes ownership. These are the models that compete directly against the BMW X1, Audi Q3, and similar rivals fighting for a spot in your driveway.
GLA: The Smallest Door Into the Mercedes World
The GLA holds the title of smallest SUV in the entire Mercedes lineup, measuring in at 173.6 inches long. Do not let that small footprint fool you into expecting a small price tag though, since the base GLA250 carries a price point that feels a bit steep for its size class.
Here is an honest bit of history worth knowing. Earlier generations of the GLA did not really feel like an SUV at all. It looked more like someone took an A-Class hatchback, raised the suspension a couple inches, and called it a day. Mercedes clearly heard that criticism, because the 2021 redesign gave this starter SUV real multimedia and safety technology updates that finally made it feel like a proper member of the SUV family.
The biggest thing the GLA has going for it against rivals in this price range is the upscale interior and infotainment system. It genuinely feels like a Mercedes inside, even if the sheet metal outside is compact. This model shares plenty of mechanical bones and tech features with the current generation A-Class and CLA-Class sedans, which is honestly smart platform sharing on Mercedes’ part.
Under the hood, the base GLA250 packs a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 221 horsepower, paired with the latest generation MBUX multimedia system that genuinely impresses first-time users.
Now for the honest criticism. The eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission could genuinely use an upgrade. It delivers decent performance once you are moving, but the real weakness shows up in low-speed traffic, where the driving experience turns noticeably rough and hesitant. If you spend a lot of time in stop-and-go city driving, this is worth test driving specifically in those conditions before signing anything.
GLB: Practical Boxiness With Room for Two More
Stretch the GLA by almost ten inches and you basically land on the GLB, which follows its smaller sibling closely in both size class and pricing. The GLB gives you a choice between five-seat and seven-seat configurations, though I would not recommend planning on comfortably seating full-grown adults back in that third row.
Styling-wise, the GLB plays it noticeably more conservative compared to some of the sportier five-seat SUVs in the lineup. Aside from that bonus third row of seating, this particular Mercedes does not really deliver much in the way of sporty driving feel.
Power comes from a 2.0-liter twin-turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 221 horsepower in the base GLB250. Buyers wanting more punch can step up to the AMG GLB35, which bumps output to 302 horsepower.
There is genuinely a lot to like here, but the GLB lacks the spice and fun factor that some other compact SUV competitors bring to the table. Ride quality, engine performance, and driver assistance technology all rank among its strongest suits. Even Mercedes’ clever augmented video navigation feature, which overlays directions right onto a live camera feed of the road ahead, cannot fully save it from criticism in other areas.
Cabin quality and cargo space both hold up well, but that cranky low-speed transmission behavior we mentioned with the GLA rears its head here too and can genuinely take some of the shine off the experience. Reviewers have also pointed out lukewarm handling and a wider than expected turning circle, both worth experiencing firsthand on a test drive before committing. Here is hoping Mercedes addresses these specific complaints in the next generation redesign.
GLC: The Sweet Spot for Compact Luxury
If the GLA and GLB each represent a piece of the puzzle, the GLC feels like the model where Mercedes finally put it all together. It keeps that compact, easy to park footprint while adding a genuinely posh interior that delivers real luxury feel rather than just the appearance of it.
Mercedes gave the GLC a full redesign for 2020, bringing new exterior styling, a refreshed interior, an updated powertrain lineup, and the latest MBUX multimedia system. The result blends refinement, technology, safety, and comfort into a package that genuinely competes well, even without the now-discontinued GLC350e plug-in hybrid variant still in the lineup.
The base engine is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing 255 horsepower. Step up to the hotter AMG GLC43, and you get a 385 horsepower turbocharged V6 under the hood. For buyers who genuinely cannot get enough power, the AMG GLC63 pushes output to either 469 or 503 horsepower depending on configuration.
Combining that kind of power range with a genuinely posh interior and a slick multimedia system is honestly pretty impressive for a vehicle in this size class. That said, keep two things in mind before falling in love. There is a noticeable lag on initial acceleration from a standstill, and the back seat runs on the cramped side, which could take some of the fun out of the experience for taller passengers riding in the rear.
GLC Coupe: Style Over Substance, and That Is Kind of the Point
The GLC Coupe tries to have it both ways, combining the practicality and raised driving position of the regular GLC with the sloping roofline styling of a proper coupe. Coupes are always fun to look at, but the real question is whether this SUV variant actually delivers on that sporty promise.
That sloping roof line has always been a shorthand signal for sporty intent, the kind of design language that makes you think of rivals like the BMW X4 or the Porsche Macan the moment you spot the silhouette. The GLC Coupe backs this up somewhat with more aggressive bumpers compared to other Mercedes SUV models we have covered so far. That said, the wrap-around headlights and large alloy wheels look basically identical to what you get on the regular GLC.
Step inside, and the Coupe maintains the same posh interior feel as its more practical sibling, loaded with brushed metal trim, soft-touch plastic surfaces, and genuinely relaxing soft, supple leatherette upholstery.
Here is an interesting detail though. Despite sharing a nearly identical interior with the regular GLC, the infotainment system setup in the Coupe actually differs. A free-standing display paired with conventional analog-style dials replaces the dual-screen layout found in the standard model.
Practicality remains the main reason most buyers choose the regular GLC over this Coupe variant. But if you fall into the more fashion-forward camp of buyers, the stylized exterior of the GLC Coupe genuinely suits that taste. Honestly, with just a little more sporting character, this car could have carved out a spot among the more fun four-door options on the market, even carrying SUV bones underneath.
Mid-Size Mercedes SUV Models: The Family-Friendly Middle Ground
Moving up in size brings us to the models that balance genuine family practicality with the kind of power and technology that makes a Mercedes feel like a Mercedes.
GLE: The Bestseller for Good Reason
The GLE occupies the true sweet spot among Mercedes SUV models, sized comfortably as a mid-size option. It borrows heavily from the E-Class sedan in terms of design language, and that formula clearly worked, since this model became the automaker’s bestselling vehicle in the entire United States back in 2021.
What exactly makes the GLE outshine the less expensive GLC in sales numbers? Part of the answer comes down to sheer variety. The GLE offers multiple configurations and personalities across a genuinely full lineup, including both two-row and three-row body styles across different trim levels and feature sets.
Engine options span a wide range. The GLE350, GLE450, and GLE580 produce 255, 362, and 483 horsepower respectively. The base model runs a four-cylinder engine, while the top variant delivers a genuine V8, and there is no denying the roaring, satisfying sound that comes out of a properly tuned V8. Buyers still unsatisfied with those numbers can step up further to the AMG GLE53 at 429 horsepower, or go all the way to the AMG GLE63 S with a genuinely wild 603 horsepower coming from a twin-turbo V8.
| Trim | Engine | Horsepower |
|---|---|---|
| GLE350 | Turbocharged 4-cylinder | 255 hp |
| GLE450 | Turbocharged inline-6, mild hybrid | 362 hp |
| GLE580 | Twin-turbo V8 | 483 hp |
| AMG GLE53 | Turbocharged inline-6 | 429 hp |
| AMG GLE63 S | Twin-turbo V8 | 603 hp |
Across every single variant, genuine luxury remains the common thread tying the whole lineup together. Interior materials feel posh throughout, cabin room is genuinely generous, and cargo space holds up well for a family vehicle. The MBUX system continues to impress with a genuinely long list of innovative features. Picture reaching out and touching those impressive twin 12.3-inch displays that project augmented reality navigation directly onto your view of the road ahead.
Unlike its smaller siblings in the compact lineup, the GLE delivers a genuinely smooth ride along with roomy back seats that adults can actually sit in comfortably. Drivers also benefit from an available head-up display that projects key information right into their line of sight, easing the overall driving experience.
Two honest criticisms worth flagging. The brake pedal feel does not quite match the rest of the driving experience in terms of refinement, and that optional third row of seating really only suits kids comfortably rather than full grown adults. Here is hoping Mercedes irons out these smaller wrinkles in future versions of what remains a genuinely well-loved SUV.
GLE Coupe: Sport Meets Substance, Mostly
The GLE Coupe runs 60mm shorter in wheelbase compared to the standard GLE, yet somehow it comes in 20mm longer overall than the previous generation Coupe it replaces. Mercedes has managed to squeeze more interior space out of the current model despite these dimensional shuffles. The real question is whether that is enough to pull additional buyers away from the standard GLE.
This Coupe variant promises more appealing sportiness and elegance compared to its regular sibling. That familiar sloping roofline continues to suggest sporty driving intent, though it does little to actually disguise the fact that this remains a genuinely large vehicle underneath the styling.
Actually driving the GLE Coupe delivers some genuine thrills. Steering feels light at low speed, and a whole host of sensors step in behind the scenes to boost overall confidence and capability. The standard air suspension does a genuinely good job smoothing out rough or uneven pavement, keeping the ride composed even on less than ideal roads.
Step inside, and you will find the same pair of large screens seen on the regular GLE variant. Once again, the Mercedes infotainment system steals the spotlight with a genuinely stunning, easy to navigate interface. Adding destinations and waypoints to the built-in satellite navigation feels intuitive rather than frustrating. That said, plenty of drivers will still find themselves reaching for the navigation apps on their own phone through the Coupe’s Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration instead of the built-in system, simply out of habit.
Behind the front row sit three seats with genuinely generous headroom and legroom for adult passengers, a pleasant surprise given the sloped roofline. Power comes standard from a turbocharged six-cylinder engine, while Mercedes reserves the full V8 experience specifically for the AMG GLE63 S trim. Overall, this is a genuinely fun vehicle to drive, though the coupe styling does deal a real blow to overall practicality compared to the standard GLE.
Full-Size Mercedes SUV Models: Where Money Stops Being an Object
At the top of the lineup, we move into territory where practicality takes a back seat to pure, unapologetic luxury and, in one particular case, genuinely serious off-road capability.
GLS: The Flagship SUV
The top-of-the-line GLS outshines the GLE in nearly every meaningful way, standing as the true flagship of the Mercedes SUV family, playing the same role among SUVs that the S-Class plays among sedans. This is also the longest vehicle in the entire lineup, stretching between 204.9 and 206.4 inches depending on configuration.
Built on the latest powertrain and chassis technology available to Mercedes engineers, the newly redesigned GLS carries a smooth, genuinely bristling presence both inside and out. Twin 12.3-inch dash displays paired with the MBUX infotainment system dominate the cabin, packing in so much technology that first-time users might genuinely feel a bit overwhelmed at first.
Practicality runs genuinely deep here, arguably outclassing plenty of other SUVs and even some traditional sedans in terms of overall usability. Most GLS models seat up to seven passengers across three rows, with the notable exception of the ultra-luxury Maybach variant we will cover next.
The first two rows genuinely feel like first-class airline seating, complete with luxury touches like recline functions, extendable footrests, and built-in massage capability. Rear-seat passengers can even enjoy a built-in refrigerator along with actual champagne flutes, because apparently regular cupholders were never going to cut it at this price point.
Every GLS variant rolls off the lot with genuinely sophisticated driving technology, including an electronically adjustable air suspension system. Another available option actively tilts the car’s body during cornering almost like a motorcycle leaning into a turn, genuinely improving handling confidence at speed.
On the powertrain side, the base GLS450 runs a mild-hybrid turbocharged six-cylinder engine producing 362 horsepower. Stepping up to the GLS580 brings a proper 483 horsepower V8 into the mix. And for buyers who simply need more, the AMG GLS63 tops the range with a genuinely powerful 603 horsepower V8.
The genuinely luxurious interior combined with the E-Active Body Control system makes managing all that power feel remarkably easy rather than intimidating. It is a smooth ride from the very moment you turn the key. The whole experience would be flawless if not for the occasional accidental activation of the “Hey Mercedes” voice assistant feature, which tends to trigger at inconvenient moments. The touch-sensitive steering wheel controls could also stand to be toned down a bit, since they are prone to registering accidental inputs.
Mercedes-Maybach GLS: Luxury Without a Single Compromise
The Maybach GLS600 sits at the absolute summit of luxury SUVs, completely outclassing rivals through an upgraded interior and a retuned powertrain built specifically for this ultra-premium variant. Everything about this vehicle screams premium from the moment you approach it, basking fully in luxury trimmings that most car buyers will never even see in person.
Mercedes extends the exact same level of comfort to rear passengers as front passengers here, and there is a genuinely logical reason behind that design choice. Buyers paying this kind of premium price are simply not expected to drive themselves very often. This formula has worked beautifully for the S-Class sedan for decades now, and it clearly translates just as effectively here.
To make room for that rear-seat luxury focus, the GLS600 actually eliminates the third row entirely, giving significantly more room to second-row passengers instead. As a result, buyers can order this vehicle in either a four-seat or five-seat configuration. The four-seat setup includes genuine executive-style seating with adjustable positioning and massage functions built right in.
Rear passengers can control the vehicle’s infotainment system directly from a dedicated MBUX tablet, or simply sit back and enjoy the 11.6-inch multimedia screens built into the seatbacks ahead of them. The GLS600 may lack the practicality of its three-row siblings in the standard GLS lineup, but it seems genuinely unlikely that fact bothers the kind of buyer shopping in this segment. Overall, this represents luxury at its absolute finest within the entire Mercedes SUV catalog.
G-Class: The Icon That Refuses to Change Its Shape
Contrary to what a lot of people assume looking at how trendy it has become on social media, the G-Wagen has actually been around since the 1970s. The latest generation stays remarkably true to its original off-road capability, keeping the same rugged, boxy silhouette that made it instantly recognizable in the first place.
That said, the current version is slightly longer and wider than earlier generations, now packed with genuinely modern 21st century technology throughout. Mercedes has stretched, softened, and simultaneously ramped up the new G-Class specifically to compete against genuinely capable rivals like the Jeep Wrangler and Land Rover Range Rover.
That distinctive brick-like shape is honestly both a hit and a miss depending on who you ask. It contributes directly to the iconic look everyone recognizes instantly, but it also contributes just as directly to genuinely poor fuel economy compared to more aerodynamically shaped SUVs.
Step inside, and you get a warm, familiar welcome from multimedia technology that carries over from previous generations, technology that still holds up reasonably well today. The rest of the interior speaks clearly to luxury and class, while still retaining the basic functional elements needed to accommodate genuine off-roading. Mercedes offers a range of different interior configurations to suit varying buyer preferences.
One quirky detail worth mentioning: the spare tire mounts directly on the back of the vehicle, which does block visibility through the rearview mirror somewhat. Even so, it remains one of the most recognizable design elements that distinguishes the G-Class from every other Mercedes SUV model on this list.
Power for the base G550 comes from a capable 4.0-liter V8 engine producing 416 horsepower. Buyers wanting more can step up to the AMG G63, which delivers a genuinely thrilling 577 horsepower. The G-Class remains a genuinely iconic SUV, backed by a slick interior and serious off-road driving technology. That said, the poor fuel economy and a multimedia system that could use some modernization remain honest areas for improvement.
G550 4×4 Squared: When Regular Off-Road Capability Simply Is Not Enough
This model genuinely towers over the regular G-Class, with the additional height coming in at almost a full foot taller than the standard G550. You cannot help but appreciate the portal axles and those massive 36.1-inch, 325/55R-22 Pirelli Scorpion ATR off-road tires. In a lot of genuine ways, these two components alone define this extreme G-Class variant.
The G550 4×4 Squared delivers a genuinely impressive 17.2 inches of ground clearance, more than suitable for the kind of extreme driving conditions this vehicle was clearly built to tackle. Mercedes cleverly employed in-hub gear reduction to physically locate the wheel centers below the axle driveshafts, a genuinely clever engineering solution that helps achieve this level of ground clearance without compromising drivetrain durability.
The genuinely steep approach and breakover angles push this vehicle to true off-road extremes. Drive tests conducted by various outlets have consistently found that there was not a single obstacle the vehicle could not overcome during testing.
Despite all that extreme off-road hardware, opening the cabin door still welcomes you with a genuinely luxurious interior packed with the latest infotainment technologies. The only real difference compared to a standard G-Class comes down to the sheer height you need to climb to get aboard in the first place.
Getting into this beast is genuinely not easy given how tall it sits, but the overall experience makes that minor inconvenience worthwhile. The vehicle strikingly combines genuine luxury with genuinely extreme off-roading capability in a way few other vehicles on the market even attempt. Once again, Mercedes delivers a genuinely no-compromise vehicle here. If there is one area for improvement, a bit of extra room in the back seat area would go a long way toward improving everyday livability.
AMG G63: The Everyday Performance G-Wagen
The G63 delivers noticeably more power than the regular G-Class, with 577 horsepower coming from a twin-turbocharged V8 engine that gives it genuinely incredible performance on the road for something this tall and boxy. Even with all that added power, the car maintains the same genuinely posh interior found throughout the rest of the G-Class family.
This particular Mercedes SUV carries all the modern amenities you would expect, including that innovative multimedia system we have mentioned throughout this guide. It also retains genuinely capable off-roading systems, though admittedly not quite as extreme as what the dedicated 4×4 Squared variant offers. Reviewing this vehicle from the outside all the way through to the interior makes one thing clear: Mercedes built this specifically to impress at every turn.
Stepping into the cabin delivers a genuinely familiar feel reminiscent of older G-Class generations, though it comes fully modernized and complete with all the trappings of current technology. A 12-inch screen houses the fully digital instrument panel, joined by genuinely high-quality interior materials, a full surround-view camera system, and even something as simple but appreciated as proper cup holders.
The cabin offers genuinely plenty of head and legroom for taller drivers and passengers, both up front and in the rear seats. One honest quirk worth knowing about before you buy: it helps to stay in decent shape to swing open that side-hinged rear cargo gate, since it does not come equipped with a power liftgate. The full-size spare tire mounted on that door also adds noticeable weight, making the swing feel heavier than you might expect.
In terms of cargo capacity, the G63 offers 38 cubic feet with the rear seats up, expanding to 69 cubic feet when you fold those rear seats flat. So despite its performance focus and rugged off-road roots, this vehicle still manages to offer a genuinely reasonable amount of everyday practicality.
Quick Comparison: Every Mercedes SUV at a Glance
| Model | Size Class | Base Horsepower | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| GLA | Subcompact | 221 hp | First-time Mercedes buyers, city driving |
| GLB | Compact | 221 hp | Small families needing an occasional third row |
| GLC | Compact | 255 hp | Buyers wanting the best balance of luxury and size |
| GLC Coupe | Compact | 255 hp | Style-focused buyers willing to trade practicality |
| GLE | Mid-size | 255 hp | Families wanting genuine three-row flexibility |
| GLE Coupe | Mid-size | Turbo inline-6 | Drivers who want sportier styling without going full compact |
| GLS | Full-size | 362 hp | Large families wanting flagship luxury |
| Maybach GLS | Full-size | Retuned V12/V8 | Buyers who prioritize being chauffeured over driving |
| G-Class | Full-size, off-road | 416 hp | Buyers wanting an icon with genuine off-road chops |
| G550 4×4 Squared | Full-size, extreme off-road | 416 hp | Serious off-road enthusiasts who still want luxury |
| AMG G63 | Full-size, performance | 577 hp | Buyers wanting G-Wagen looks with serious power |
How to Actually Choose the Right One for You
With eleven distinct models spread across three size classes, picking the right Mercedes SUV can genuinely feel overwhelming. Here is a practical way to narrow things down based on how you actually plan to use the vehicle.
If Budget Is Your Primary Concern
Start your search with the GLA or GLB. Both deliver genuine Mercedes badge appeal, a properly upscale interior, and modern technology without pushing you into the price territory of the larger models. Just remember to specifically test drive either one in stop-and-go traffic conditions given the transmission behavior we discussed earlier.
If You Need Genuine Family Practicality
The GLE stands out as the strongest choice here, offering real three-row flexibility, a smooth ride, and roomy seating that adults can actually tolerate for longer trips. The GLS steps things up even further if your budget allows, delivering first-class seating and genuinely impressive rear-passenger amenities.
If Style Matters as Much as Substance
Both the GLC Coupe and GLE Coupe cater directly to buyers who want that sloping, sportier roofline. Just go in with realistic expectations about reduced cargo space and rear headroom compared to their standard siblings.
If You Genuinely Plan to Go Off-Road
Skip the crossover-style models entirely and go straight to the G-Class family. The standard G-Class delivers serious capability with everyday livability, while the G550 4×4 Squared exists specifically for buyers who need to conquer terrain that would stop most other vehicles cold. For more information on what genuine off-road driving involves, resources like this off-roading overview are worth a read before you commit to a vehicle built specifically for that purpose.
If Money Genuinely Is No Object
The Maybach GLS600 exists purely for this buyer. If you would rather be driven than drive, and comfort in the back seat matters more than cargo space or a third row, nothing else in the Mercedes lineup, or arguably the entire SUV market, quite matches it.
A Word on Technology Across the Lineup
One thread that runs consistently through every single model covered in this guide is Mercedes’ commitment to in-vehicle technology. The MBUX system, in its various forms, genuinely impresses across the board with intuitive touchscreens, augmented reality navigation on select models, and voice control that mostly works well, aside from the occasional accidental “Hey Mercedes” activation we mentioned with the GLS.
If you want to understand more broadly how modern infotainment systems like MBUX actually function under the hood, this breakdown of in-vehicle infotainment systems offers a helpful overview of the technology category as a whole.
Final Thoughts Before You Head to the Dealership
Mercedes clearly stands out as a manufacturer that pushes hard on innovative features and modern technology across its entire range. The brand pulls out every stop to deliver premium luxury, genuine comfort, and a driving experience that is hard to match at similar price points. It makes sense that so many buyers do not mind digging deep into their pockets to park one of these in their driveway. That same level of craftsmanship clearly runs from the sedan lineup straight through to every SUV covered in this guide.
The Maybach GLS600 sits at the genuine pinnacle of engineering, design, and driving technology within this entire lineup. But do not overlook the fact that driving virtually any Mercedes SUV covered here delivers a genuinely memorable experience in its own right. From the relatively affordable GLA all the way up to that ultra-premium Maybach GLS600, Mercedes covers essentially every price segment imaginable, meaning there is a genuinely realistic entry point here no matter your specific budget.
Do not be surprised if you find yourself gravitating toward the AMG performance versions once you actually get behind the wheel and feel that extra power firsthand. Meanwhile, the G-Class family stands proudly at the rugged edge of the entire lineup, delivering off-road capability that will genuinely thrill adventurous buyers, especially if you spring for the extreme ground clearance of the G550 4×4 Squared. Whatever direction you lean, take the time to actually test drive more than one model before deciding. The spec sheet only tells half the story, and the other half only reveals itself once you are behind the wheel.